The orchid tree is not difficult to care for, but unfortunately it is not hardy either. It is therefore well suited for keeping in containers, rather than for planting in garden beds. It's also not a bad choice as a houseplant.
How do you properly care for an orchid tree?
Caring for an orchid tree includes a bright and warm location, humus-rich substrate, regular watering with low-lime water, fertilization every three weeks, overwintering at 12°C to 18°C and protection from drafts. It blooms from the 4th year and is not hardy.
Planting the orchid tree correctly
Of course, the orchid tree in a planter will not be as big as in its tropical home. It then grows more like a shrub. For this it needs a lot of light and warmth. The soil should be slightly moist, but not wet.
Ideally, the planter is about two-thirds larger than the root ball of the orchid tree and has a drainage layer. It is best to use humus-rich garden soil. In summer the orchid tree can definitely be left outside in the garden.
Water and fertilize the orchid tree
The soil of your orchid tree should not dry out, so you need to keep a close eye on the amount of watering. The warmer it is, the more water the plant needs. Use low-lime or lime-free water, ideally rainwater, and avoid waterlogging at all costs. About every three weeks, mix some liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) into the irrigation water.
The blossom of the orchid tree
You will have to be patient until you see your young orchid tree in full bloom. The white to pink flowers only appear from about the fourth year onwards, but only if it is satisfied with its location and care. Immediately after flowering, you can prune your orchid tree if you feel this is necessary.
Overwintering the orchid tree
The orchid tree reacts quite sensitively to low temperatures, not just when there is frost, but even below + 10 °C. Therefore it needs a warmer winter quarters with around 12°C to 18°C. The younger your orchid tree is, the more sensitive it is, so bring the plants to their winter quarters in good time, before the first night frosts occur. Water your orchid tree moderately in winter and avoid fertilizing.
The most important things in brief:
- not hardy
- regular cut not absolutely necessary
- only blooms from the 4th year
- Avoid drafts at all costs
- warm and bright location
- feel free to stand outside in summer
- permeable and humus-rich substrate
Tip
Your orchid tree likes to spend the summer outside in a sunny place protected from the wind. However, slowly get him used to the sun and fresh air.